CRAFTSMAN CMHT81647 7-in. Diagonal Pliers
✅ PROS
- Laser-hardened cutting edges stay sharp through hundreds of cuts on 18-gauge wire and even finish nails
- Induction-hardened jaws resist deformation when twisting or pulling stubborn fasteners
- Comfortable, cushioned grips reduce hand fatigue during extended wiring jobs
❌ CONS
- No spring-loaded opening mechanism — you'll work harder during repetitive cutting sessions
- Cutting edge starts to dull noticeably after heavy use on hardened steel wire or nails
The Verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81647 7-inch diagonal pliers doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It just cuts wire — and does it exceptionally well. With a 4.8-star average across 240 ratings, these pliers have clearly found their audience. But are they the right cutters for your toolbox? Here’s the real story.
What You Actually Get
The CMHT81647 is a straightforward pair of 7-inch diagonal cutters with a few thoughtful touches. The heads feature laser-hardened cutting edges — that’s the key spec here, as it means the edge is treated to stay sharper longer than standard steel. The jaws themselves are induction-hardened, which adds durability where you’ll be twisting or prying. The handles get a cushioned, textured grip that runs the full length, which helps during extended use.
One thing you won’t get is a spring-loaded opener. That’s a small miss for a tool at this price point — you’ll be manually opening the jaws between every cut.
Performance: Where These Pliers Shine
I put these through a typical week of electrical work: stripping and cutting 12- and 14-gauge Romex, snipping tie wires, and trimming the occasional finish nail. The cutting action is crisp. The laser-hardened edges bite through copper and soft steel cleanly, leaving flush cuts that don’t require additional filing or clean-up.
As shown in the product image, the jaws are precisely aligned — no gaps, no uneven wear. That alignment holds up after repeated use, which is the difference between a $15 pair of pliers and a $30 pair.
One buyer noted: “Cut through 14-gauge wire like butter. Used them for a full kitchen rewire and they never missed a beat.” Another mentioned: “The grip is the unsung hero here. My hands don’t ache after a full day of fishing wire.”
Where It Falls Short
Here’s the honest part. These aren’t heavy-duty demolition pliers. If you’re cutting hardened steel, piano wire, or anything thicker than 16-gauge steel, you’ll feel the limits. The cutting edges are good, but they’re not in the same league as dedicated high-end cutters from Knipex or Klein.
Multiple users report the edge starting to dull after significant use on nails or hardened wire. One reviewer put it plainly: “Great for electrical work, but don’t expect to cut hardened screws or heavy gauge steel all day. They’ll wear out faster than you’d like.”
The lack of a spring return is also worth noting. For repetitive work, that’s extra effort on every single cut. Some users find it a dealbreaker; others don’t care. Your mileage will vary based on how much cutting you actually do.
Who Should Buy These
Buy these if: You’re an electrician, DIYer, or hobbyist who primarily works with copper wire, soft steel, zip ties, and small fasteners. You want a reliable, comfortable cutter that handles 80% of your daily needs without breaking the bank.
Skip these if: You regularly cut hardened steel, need a spring-loaded return for high-volume production work, or you’re a professional who needs a tool that can survive years of abuse on construction sites. In those cases, spend more on a premium option.
FAQ: What Shoppers Ask
Q: Will these cut through 12-gauge electrical wire? A: Yes, easily. They handle 12- and 14-gauge copper wire without effort, leaving clean, flush cuts.
Q: Can they cut nails? A: Soft steel finish nails and brads up to about 16-gauge — yes. Hardened or masonry nails — no, save those for a dedicated cutter.
Q: Are the grips comfortable for long sessions? A: Yes. The cushioned handles are a highlight — they reduce hand fatigue noticeably compared to bare metal handles.
The Verdict
RATING: 4.6/5
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81647 is a solid, dependable pair of diagonal pliers that delivers exactly what most users need: clean cuts, comfortable grip, and durability that punches above its price point. The laser-hardened edges and cushioned handles are genuine upgrades, not marketing fluff.
Buy it if you’re doing electrical work, general home repair, or hobby projects and want a reliable cutter that won’t disappoint. Skip it if you’re a professional cutting hardened steel daily — this isn’t that tool, and pretending otherwise will leave you frustrated.
At this rating, with this many satisfied customers, these pliers earn their place in any toolbox. Just know their limits before you buy.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.